King James Version
What Does Numbers 31:40 Mean?
“And the persons were sixteen thousand; of which the LORD'S tribute was thirty and two persons.”
Numbers 31:40 · KJV
Context
38
And the beeves were thirty and six thousand; of which the LORD'S tribute was threescore and twelve .
39
And the asses were thirty thousand and five hundred; of which the LORD'S tribute was threescore and one.
40
And the persons were sixteen thousand; of which the LORD'S tribute was thirty and two persons.
41
And Moses gave the tribute, which was the LORD'S heave offering, unto Eleazar the priest, as the LORD commanded Moses.
42
And of the children of Israel's half, which Moses divided from the men that warred,
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd the persons were sixteen thousand; of which the LORD'S tribute was thirty and two persons—The Hebrew nephesh adam (נֶפֶשׁ אָדָם, 'souls of men') refers to the 32,000 Midianite virgins taken captive (Numbers 31:35), of whom 32 were given to the Levites. These women became servants in Israel, likely performing domestic tasks for the priesthood. While jarring to modern sensibilities, this passage reveals God's concern even for war captives' systematic care.
Unlike ancient Near Eastern practices where captive women faced abuse or slavery, Israel's Law regulated their treatment (Deuteronomy 21:10-14). The allocation to Levites—who had no land inheritance—provided both labor and potential integration into covenant community through marriage.
Unlike ancient Near Eastern practices where captive women faced abuse or slavery, Israel's Law regulated their treatment (Deuteronomy 21:10-14). The allocation to Levites—who had no land inheritance—provided both labor and potential integration into covenant community through marriage.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient warfare typically resulted in massacre or enslavement of conquered populations. Israel's selective sparing of virgins (who hadn't participated in Baal-peor seduction) and their regulated treatment represented relative mercy within ancient context. Integration into Levitical households offered protection and community.
Reflection Questions
- How does God's concern for systematic care of even war captives inform your view of His justice and mercy?
- In what ways does the Old Testament's treatment of captives point forward to Christ's redemption of spiritual captives?
- How should Christians balance God's historical judgments with the New Covenant's universal offer of grace?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsנָֽפֶשׁ׃1 of 10
“persons”
H5315properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
אָדָ֔ם2 of 10
“And the persons”
H120ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
שִׁשָּׁ֥ה3 of 10
“were sixteen”
H8337six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
אָ֑לֶף5 of 10
“thousand”
H505hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
לַֽיהוָ֔ה7 of 10
“of which the LORD'S”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
נָֽפֶשׁ׃10 of 10
“persons”
H5315properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Numbers 31:40 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.